Commission, Customs Deepen Ties against Money Laundering, Smuggling

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)have resolved to deepen their collaboration against money laundering, smuggling and other economic crimes.

The resolution was reached when the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Oyo and Osun Area Command, Comptroller G.I. Aliyu, paid a familiarisation visit to the acting Director of the Ibadan zonal office of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim.

Speaking, the customs area controller said, “The Nigeria Customs Service, as a critical revenue-generating agency, shares the vision of the EFCC as the frontier against money laundering, smuggling, and other economic infractions that threaten our national development.

“This visit is strategic in strengthening our existing collaboration. The synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the EFCC is indispensable.

“Our mandates intersect in various operations: curbing illicit financial flow to trade-based money laundering, intercepting contraband goods and enforcing fiscal policies. The need for continued intelligence sharing and mutual support cannot be overemphasised.”

He disclosed that the Command under his leadership was committed to deepening inter-agency collaboration with the EFCC and other key security and law enforcement agencies.

“We believe that through collaboration, capacity building and transparent communication channels, we can achieve great success in curbing economic sabotage and improving national revenue,” he added.

He commended the Ola Olukoyede leadership of the EFCC for its remarkable achievements in asset recovery, enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment and sensitisation on corruption, economic, and financial crimes.

According to him, “these efforts resonate deeply with the Nigeria Customs Service’s drive towards integrity, professionalism and accountability in service delivery”.

He noted that the EFCC earned its global reputation as Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption and law enforcement agency through a dogged commitment to fighting economic and financial crimes.

Responding, Ringin expressed delight with the visit, noting that it was an unequivocal step towards achieving the mandates of both agencies.